Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has taken responsibility for the tragic deaths of six cheetahs, three of which died in March, April, and May.
All these cheetahs were kept at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Soon after the cubs' deaths, the central government formed an 11-member review committee to investigate.
"We take responsibility for whatever happened. However, the project will be a major success, and the whole country will be proud of it," Yadav stated. "It's an international project, and we had anticipated mortality. Our report also mentions it (cheetah introduction action plan). One of the cheetahs was unwell before it even came to India. We have provided the reasons for the deaths of the two other (adult) cheetahs."
Yadav said the cubs died from extreme heat as the temperature soared to 47 degrees Celsius.
Earlier this week, Yadav said officials would embark on a study tour to Namibia and South Africa to understand conservation strategies to help establish a viable cheetah population in India.
Reports also said big cats would now be set free in the unreserved territory.
The ministry also indicated that it might shift some cheetahs to other national parks like Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, and another in Rajasthan.
However, as per experts, in the first year of translocation, the mortality rate is 50 percent or more.
Meanwhile, the government is set to release seven more cheetahs in June, including two females.